What are the responsibilities and job description for the CNC Programmer/Process Development Specialist position at American Axle & Mfg., Inc.?
Job Posting Title
CNC Programmer/Process Development SpecialistJob Description Summary
We are seeking a CNC Programmer/Process Development Specialist to join our Process Development & Prototype Machining Group within the Driveline organization at Dauch. This position is based at our Advanced Technology Development Center in Detroit, Michigan.In this role, you will be responsible for developing, implementing, and continuously improving CNC machining processes for prototype and production components. Working closely with engineering, production, quality, and maintenance teams, you will develop and optimize CNC programs, determine machining strategies, select cutting tools, design work holding solutions, and support manufacturing processes using CAD/CAM software. In addition to CNC programming and process development, you will perform machine setup, process verification, prove-outs, and operate CNC equipment as needed to ensure efficient, high-quality manufacturing operations. The ideal candidate has experience with SmartCAM 3-axis programming and/or Mastercam 3-axis programming.
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Job Description:
- Create, modify, and optimize CNC programs for milling, turning, multi-axis machining, and other CNC equipment using CAD/CAM software.
- Interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, specifications, and 3D models to develop machining strategies.
- Select appropriate tooling, fixtures, cutting parameters, and machining methods to maximize efficiency and product quality.
- Perform machine setup verification, prove-out, and first-article inspections.
- Troubleshoot programming, tooling, and machining issues to minimize downtime and improve productivity.
- Optimize cycle times while maintaining quality and safety standards.
- Collaborate with Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, Production, and Design teams during new product introductions.
- Develop and maintain standardized programming practices and machining documentation.
- Recommend process improvements, tooling upgrades, and automation opportunities.
- Support lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Maintain accurate program revisions and documentation within company systems.
- Must be willing to travel a minimum of 15% with the launch.
- Other duties as assigned.
Required Skills and Education
- Minimum of 3 years' experience in CAD programming, CNC mills, and lathes.
- Understand and interpret blueprint part drawings and general GDT
- Problem-solving in a manufacturing environment.
- Manufacturing in a prototype or job shop environment.
- Cutting tools and calculating proper feeds, speeds, and depth of cut.
- High school diploma or equivalent.
About Dauch:
Dauch Corporation is a premier Driveline and Metal Forming supplier serving the global automotive industry with a powertrain-agnostic product portfolio that supports electric, hybrid, and internal combustion vehicles. The company is headquartered in Detroit, MI, with operations that span 24 countries and more than 175 locations. Formed through the acquisition of Dowlais Group plc and its subsidiaries - GKN Automotive and GKN Powder Metallurgy, Dauch unites deep engineering roots with global manufacturing capabilities and an entrepreneurial spirit to move mobility forward. Visit www.dauch.com to learn more.
Dauch will not discriminate against any Associate or applicant for employment because of age, race, color, gender, religion, weight, height, marital status, sexual orientation, genetic history or information, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, national origin, or other characteristic protected by law. Dauch will take affirmative action to ensure that applicants are employed, and that Associates are treated equally during employment, without regard to their age, race, color, gender, religion, weight, height, marital status, sexual orientation, genetic history or information, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, national origin, or other characteristic protected by law. For the Disabled Job Seeker: We offer reasonable accommodations for qualified disabled individuals who are applicants for employment. To request assistance or accommodations, please e-mail TalentAcquisition@aam.com. Dauch is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.
AAM will not discriminate against any Associate or applicant for employment because of age, race, color, gender, religion, weight, height, marital status, sexual orientation, genetic history or information, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, national origin, or other characteristic protected by law. AAM will take affirmative action to ensure that applicants are employed, and that Associates are treated equally during employment, without regard to their age, race, color, gender, religion, weight, height, marital status, sexual orientation, genetic history or information, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, national origin, or other characteristic protected by law.